KOCHI: Nowadays, one can’t think of an election with out a rebel, independent or a name sake candidate. When it comes to local body or assembly elections, their presence have a major role in deciding the result.
This time, however, 14 divisions out of 74 under the Kochi Corporation is all set to go to polls with out the presence of a single rebel candidate. Only the candidates of the three leading front- UDF, LDF and BJP- are seeking mandate from this division.
Wards such as Amaravathy, Edakochi North, Elamakkara North, Elamkulam, Ernakulam Central, Ernakulam south, Island South, Karukappilly, Padivattom, Perumbadappu, Ponnurunni East, Pullardesam, Ravipuram and Thattazham are going to witness the triangular contest involving UDF, LDF and BJP.
In the last local body elections, majority of these divisions had more than five candidates. Apart from the leading front candidates in the Ponnurunni and Thattazham divisions, three independent candidates contested in each ward.
While the number of independent candidates were two in Karukappally and Perumbadappu and Amaravathy division, there was only one independent candidate in Edakkochi North, Elamakkara, Ernakulam central. Interestingly, there were no independent candidates in the divisions such as Ernakulam South, Island South and Pallardesam.
However, this year, there are an average of over five candidates contesting in the rest of divisions of Kochi Corporation. Ayyappankavu and Thrikkanarvattom divisions stands first with the highest number of candidates- ten each.
While divisions such as Kochangady, Thazhuppu, Nasrathu, Palluruthy-Kacherippady and Kaloor South has nine candidates each.
“ It’s a matter of culture that decides the number of candidates in the divisions. Many contest in the election for gaining fame while many others take this as an opportunity for gaining some financial benefits.
The factional feud in the political party also may be a reason for more number of candidates,” commented out-going Mayor Tony Chammany when asked about the polls.